Jacob Bethell’s all-round brilliance led England to a solid start to their white-ball summer, defeating the West Indies in the first ODI of the series. The young left-handed batter played a match-winning knock of 82 off 53 balls and followed it up with a tidy bowling spell of 1/18, earning himself the Player of the Match award. But the moment that truly stood out came after the game, when Bethell opened up about how a stint in the Indian Premier League transformed his game, especially under the guidance of none other than Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli.
Bethell, who recently featured in the 2025 IPL season for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), revealed how much his time in the tournament helped him evolve as a cricketer. Despite playing only two games for RCB, where he managed a quickfire 67 runs at a striking rate of over 170, the experience seems to have left a lasting impact. According to Bethell, it wasn’t just the matches, but the mentorship and energy he felt around elite players like Kohli that truly shaped his game.
Jacob Bethell Praises RCB Star in IPL 2025, Calls Kohli’s Mentorship a Game-Changer
Bethell was effusive in his praise of Kohli, stating that the former Indian skipper and current RCB stalwart went out of his way to help young players like him understand the mental side of batting. “I found that experience very beneficial for my game. I feel like I am a better player now than I was two months before I went to India,” Bethell said during the post-match press conference. “Virat Kohli was great with the information and how he goes about his batting. All I had to do was ask, and he was ready with advice. Being a part of that tournament was special.”
The 21-year-old Englishman spoke about how even short conversations with Kohli taught him valuable lessons. “There is a lot of noise around the IPL, but it was incredible to be part of it. It wasn’t just cricket, it was about mindset, approach, and carrying yourself under pressure. I soaked up every bit I could,” he added.
He also highlighted his time on the field with Kohli as a powerful experience. “I felt the energy when I went out to bat with Virat, and that is something I want to carry into my game. His presence brings a different level of intensity, and I want to reflect that in my performances,” Bethell noted.
Apart from Kohli, Bethell also acknowledged head coach Andy Flower for playing a key role in his growth. “Andy Flower was fantastic. He understood what young players needed, especially those trying to find their place in such a massive league. Both Virat and Andy made sure I was learning every day, even if I wasn’t playing every game,” he said.
Bethell’s ability to adapt quickly and make the most of the IPL opportunity reflects his maturity. Despite being a newcomer, he didn’t just enjoy the occasion; he absorbed it, learned from it, and translated that experience into performance at the international level.
Before joining England’s ODI squad, Bethell wrapped up his IPL season, having left a decent mark in limited chances. On the other hand, Virat Kohli, who has been in red-hot form for RCB, finished the IPL 2025 with 614 runs in 14 matches. His consistency, averaging over 55 with a strike rate nearing 150, and eight 50+ scores proved that the veteran still has plenty left in the tank.
Bethell also mentioned how watching Kohli up close helped him understand the commitment required at the highest level. “Virat wasn’t just hitting balls, he was preparing every day like it was a World Cup final. That level of professionalism was eye-opening. You see it on TV, but being in the dressing room and watching it live is different. It motivates you to push your own boundaries,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bethell seems determined to carry this newfound energy and discipline into his international career. If his performance in the first ODI is any indication, England might have unearthed a future star, one who’s already learned from one of the greatest in the game.
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